The Kansas City Chiefs needed a receiver to step up and give Patrick Mahomes a reliable target in the passing game, and rookie Rashee Rice has answered the call in recent weeks.
Rice put together the best performance of his young career against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12, hauling in eight receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown to help secure Kansas City its eighth win of the 2023 season.
His work as a runner after the catch has been stellar, and according to Pro Football Focus, his 8.1 yards after the catch per reception ranks second among all wide receivers in the NFL.
Rashee Rice: 8.1 yards after the catch per reception this season
2nd among all WRs 📈 pic.twitter.com/gprXDvrE36
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) November 29, 2023
While this may not mean that Rice is the second-fastest or second-shiftiest receiver after the catch, his ability to find open spots in opposing defenses and haul in passes with room to work is proving to be a boon for the Chiefs offense.
He will have a chance to outdo his Week 12 performance against Las Vegas on Sunday when Kansas City takes on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
